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Thursday, June 27, 2013

Chester, Pa. – Philadelphia Union forward Jack McInerney has been named to the U.S. Men’s National Team roster for the 2013 CONCACAF Gold Cup, marking the first time a current Philadelphia Union player has been named to the USMNT senior roster for a competitive tournament.

“It means a lot for me," McInerney said. "This is something that I’ve always wanted. I
always grew up watching the Men’s National Team play and wanted to be
there one day. It hasn’t really sunk in yet. I think it will once I get
there, but right now in the moment, it feels good.”

McInerney, 20, will be available for the Union’s match against FC Dallas Saturday and depart to San Diego, Calif. for international duty July 1. McInerney will miss the Union’s matches against Real Salt Lake (July 3), Houston Dynamo (July 6) and Chivas USA (July 12). Should the U.S. advance past group stages, he would remain with the team past July 16 for as long as the team advances in the tournament, which ends July 28.

The USMNT will play in three group stages matches before possibly advancing to the quarterfinals stage. The squad will face Belize July 9 at JELD-WEN Field in Portland, Ore., Cuba July 13 at Rio Tinto Stadium in Sandy, Utah and Costa Rica July 16 at Rentschler Field in East Hartford, Conn.

Although McInerney has represented his country at youth levels, including the 2009 U-20 World Cup, he has yet to appear for the U.S. Men’s National Team on a senior level.

“I think it will be a good experience for me," the striker said. "Obviously, it will be
tough; I haven’t been in this situation before and it will take some
adjusting, but like I said, I’m excited, and I’m ready to go in there
and try to compete for a spot.”

The Union forward has scored 10 goals in 16 matches this year for the Union and is currently in a three-way tie for most goals scored in MLS. McInerney has also garnered back to back MLS Player of the Month honors in April and May, marking just the third time in MLS history a player has won the award in consecutive months. Earlier this year, the 20 year old became the youngest player ever to lead MLS in goals scored in a season.